Top Correctional Officer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: Correctional officers are often assigned to oversee large numbers of inmates by themselves. The best candidates are able to handle the responsibility without becoming overwhelmed or disorganized. They should be able to describe how they would handle the situation, and they should be able to tell you how they would keep track of everything that's going on.

Sample Answer: I'd make sure I was in control of the situation and knew exactly what was going on at all times. I'd make sure I knew where every inmate was at all times.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The ability to manage a large number of inmates
• - The ability to keep track of everything that's going on
• - A sense of organization

Question Overview: You want to know how the candidate would react in a crisis situation. You want to know that they can think on their feet and make the right decision in a moment of high stress. You want to know that they are not prone to panic or rash action.

Sample Answer: I would follow protocol and call for backup if necessary. I would try to de-escalate the situation if possible.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The ability to remain calm and think clearly
• - The ability to make the right decision
• - The ability to follow protocol

Question Overview: This is a difficult question to answer, but it's important that you know how the candidate would respond. You want to hear that they would only use deadly force if they had no other choice, and that they would be able to live with themselves if they had to take a life.

Sample Answer: I would only use deadly force if I had no other choice. I would have to live with myself if I didn't.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - An understanding of the law and the ability to apply it
• - The ability to make a split-second decision
• - A willingness to accept responsibility for their actions

Question Overview: The candidate should be able to explain the basic duties of a correctional officer. They should be able to tell you what they do on a typical day, how they handle the inmates and what they do to maintain order in the facility.

Sample Answer: Every day is different. I might be escorting an inmate to medical or court, or I might be helping with a lockdown. I always make sure the inmates are safe and secure.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The ability to explain the duties of a correctional officer
• - A basic knowledge of the facility's operations
• - A sense of the inmate's daily routine

Question Overview: This is a broad question that can cover a lot of ground. You want to know that the candidate is honest, responsible and mature. They should be able to tell you about their education, work history and personal interests. You should also be able to get a sense of their personality, values and goals.

Sample Answer: I'm a college graduate with a degree in criminal justice. I've worked at three different facilities in the past five years. I like to read and go hiking on the weekends.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Honesty
• - Responsibility
• - Maturity
• - A sense of humor

Question Overview: This is a simple question that can reveal a lot about the candidate. You want to know that they are not just looking for a job, but that they are passionate about the work they will be doing.

Sample Answer: I want to help people who are in trouble. I want to make sure they get back on the right track.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A sense of duty
• - A desire to help others
• - A sense of honor
• - duty and justice

Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is excited about the opportunity to work for your team. The candidate should be enthusiastic about the work and the mission of the facility.

Sample Answer: I've heard good things about your facility, and I'm really excited to work for you.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A genuine interest in the mission of the facility
• - A desire to work with a specific team or supervisor

Question Overview: The best correctional officers are not only aware of the rules and regulations of the facility, they are also aware of the rules and regulations of their profession. They know that bringing drugs into a correctional facility is a serious offense and would not hesitate to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Sample Answer: I'd turn them in. It's not worth losing my job over.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A sense of duty and honor
• - The ability to follow rules and regulations
• - The ability to report misconduct without fear or favor

Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is honest and forthright. If the candidate lies on their application, they will likely lie to you and your staff as well.

Sample Answer: I'm always honest. I don't think I've ever lied about anything.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Honesty
• - Integrity

Question Overview: The purpose of a correctional facility is to protect the public and the inmates from harm. If an inmate attempts to escape, the officer must be prepared to use lethal force to stop them. You want to know that the candidate has no qualms about taking a life if necessary.

Sample Answer: I would have no problem with it. My job is to protect the public and the other inmates. If someone tries to escape, I have to stop them.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A willingness to take a life if necessary
• - The ability to remain calm in a crisis
• - A sense of honor and duty

Question Overview: You want to know that the candidate has experience in diffusing volatile situations. A good answer will tell you that the best way to deal with aggression is to do everything possible to prevent it from arising. Treating inmates with respect and humanity can help avert hostile behavior, and they should be able to explain how they've remained calm in challenging situations in the past. The ability to know when to ask for help is also essential.

Sample Answer: I try to treat everyone decently, so in past facilities, inmates didn't give me problems. If someone did, I'd stay calm and follow procedure.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm in the face of confrontation
• - Awareness of protocol and the value of sticking to it
• - Willingness to seek help when needed

Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is interested in the profession for the right reasons. The best candidates will be interested in the profession because they want to help people and make a difference in their community. They will see the job as a way to grow and develop professionally and personally.

Sample Answer: I want to be a CO because I want to help people. I want to be there for them when they need someone. I want to be able to help them change their lives for the better.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A desire to help people
• - A desire to learn and grow
• - A desire to make a difference

Question Overview: The candidate should be interested in the job for the right reasons. If they're only applying because they need a job or because they're desperate, you don't want to hire them. They should be genuinely interested in the work and the mission of the facility.

Sample Answer: I've always been interested in law enforcement, and I've always wanted to help people. This job is a great way to do both.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A genuine interest in the work
• - A desire to help others
• - A sense of duty and honor

Question Overview: You want to know that the applicant is interested in the job for the right reasons. They should be motivated by a desire to help people and not by a desire for power or control. They should also be able to explain how their past experience has prepared them for this job.

Sample Answer: I've always wanted to help people, and I think this is the best way I can do it. I've been a volunteer firefighter since I was 18, and I've seen how much good we can do.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A desire to help people
• - A desire to promote and facilitate peace
• - tranquility and order
• - A personal connection to the criminal justice system

Question Overview: The best correctional officers are those who can handle any situation that comes their way. The candidate should be able to tell you about a time when they had to deal with a difficult inmate or situation.

Sample Answer: One time, an inmate got drunk and started a fight with another inmate. I had to break it up and ended up getting hurt pretty bad. I ended up in the hospital for a few days.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The ability to remain calm and think clearly in a crisis
• - The ability to remain composed in the face of conflict
• - A willingness to seek help when needed

Question Overview: The best correctional officers are passionate about the work they do. They are not just in it for the money or the benefits. They want to help people and make a difference in their community.

Sample Answer: I want to help people who have made mistakes and give them a second chance. I want to make a difference in my community.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A desire to help others
• - A passion for the work
• - A desire to make a difference in the community

Question Overview: The use of lethal force is a last resort for correctional officers, and they should not be eager to use it. A good answer will tell you that the candidate has never had to use lethal force and would only do so if it was necessary to protect themselves or others.

Sample Answer: I've never had to use lethal force, and I hope I never have to. I would only do so if it was absolutely necessary to protect myself or someone else.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The ability to use lethal force only as a last resort
• - The ability to remain calm in the face of conflict
• - A sense of honor and duty

Question Overview: The best correctional officers are always prepared for the worst. They know the facility's layout and the inmates' routines, and they have a plan for every contingency. The best answer will tell you that the candidate has thought through how they would respond to an escape attempt and has practiced their response.

Sample Answer: I'd run after them and try to stop them. I've been trained in defensive tactics, so I know how to subdue someone without hurting them.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A thorough knowledge of the facility's layout
• - A plan for every contingency
• - The ability to remain calm in a crisis